Lizhi Deng | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Lizhi Deng | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Ā Research Assistant at Institute of Agri-food Processing and Nutrition, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, China

Mr. Lizhi Deng, born on June 22, 1999, is an accomplished researcher pursuing a Masterā€™s in Food Engineering at China Agricultural University, specializing in postharvest physiology and preservation of fruits and vegetables. With a strong academic foundation, including international exposure at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he has demonstrated excellence through a solid GPA and a second-class professional scholarship. Mr. Deng has authored multiple publications in high-impact journals, such as Food Chemistry and Postharvest Biology and Technology, focusing on innovative techniques like encapsulated microcapsules and cold-induced lenticel disorder analysis. His professional experience includes roles as a research assistant at prestigious institutions and contributions to quality control in the biotechnology and brewing industries. Proficient in technical tools and scientific writing, he blends theoretical expertise with practical application. With a commitment to advancing sustainable food systems and agricultural technology, Mr. Deng exemplifies the qualities of an emerging leader in food science research.

Professional ProfileĀ 

Education

Mr. Lizhi Deng has a robust educational background in food science and engineering, complemented by international academic exposure. He is currently pursuing a Masterā€™s degree in Food Engineering at China Agricultural University (2022ā€“2024), focusing on postharvest physiology, fruit and vegetable preservation, and advanced materials. With a commendable GPA of 3.62 (ranked 17/66), he has excelled in courses such as scientific writing and modern food processing technology. Previously, he studied at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2020ā€“2021), where he majored in Food Science and Technology, achieving a GPA of 3.78 (top 20%) and gaining expertise in food chemistry, microbiology, and product development. Mr. Deng began his academic journey at Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University (2017ā€“2020), earning a Bachelorā€™s degree in Food Science and Engineering with a GPA of 3.59 (top 20%). His diverse academic pursuits reflect his dedication to mastering the science behind sustainable and innovative food systems.

Professional Experience

Mr. Lizhi Deng has gained diverse professional experience in research and quality control across esteemed institutions and industries. Currently, he serves as a Research Assistant at the Institute of Agricultural Processing and Nutrition, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, where he focuses on postharvest physiology, storage, and logistics for fruit preservation. His work contributes to advancing key technologies in food science. Previously, he worked at Wuxi Biologics in the Department of Technical Quality, where he designed test plans for external projects, conducted process verifications, and performed experiments such as capillary gel electrophoresis and high-performance liquid chromatography under GMP systems. Additionally, Mr. Deng was a Laboratory Technician at Urbrew Craft Beer Co. Ltd., where he conducted microbial detection and optimized beer fermentation quality by analyzing bacterial contamination. His professional journey highlights a strong blend of research innovation and practical application, demonstrating his commitment to advancing food science and technology.

Research Interest

Mr. Lizhi Deng’s research interests lie at the intersection of postharvest physiology, fruit and vegetable preservation, and advanced material development. His work focuses on exploring innovative methods to enhance the storage life and quality of perishable produce, contributing to sustainable food systems. He is particularly passionate about integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as encapsulated microcapsules and bioactive compounds, to mitigate postharvest losses and improve disease resistance in fruits. His research also extends to investigating cold-induced disorders in stored produce using transcriptomics and metabolomics, offering valuable insights into molecular mechanisms that impact shelf life. Additionally, Mr. Deng is interested in optimizing food quality through the application of natural compounds like caffeic acid to preserve nutritional value and aroma profiles. By blending his expertise in material science, food chemistry, and microbiology, Mr. Deng aims to drive innovations in food processing and preservation that address global challenges in food security and sustainability.

Award and Honor

Mr. Lizhi Deng has earned notable recognition for his academic and research excellence throughout his educational journey. As a Masterā€™s candidate at China Agricultural University, he was awarded the second-class professional scholarship for his outstanding performance in the field of Food Engineering, ranking 17th among 66 peers with a GPA of 3.62. His dedication to advancing food science is further highlighted by his active participation in the World Cherry Academic Conference, where he engaged with leading experts in the field. Mr. Dengā€™s exceptional academic achievements also extend to his undergraduate studies, where he consistently ranked in the top 20% of his cohorts at both the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University. These accolades underscore his commitment to academic rigor, research innovation, and his growing impact in the field of food science, establishing him as a promising researcher with significant potential for future contributions.

Conclusion

Lizhi Deng’s academic excellence, impactful research, and professional expertise make them a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Their contributions to postharvest physiology and preservation technologies demonstrate innovative thinking and a commitment to addressing critical challenges in food science.

With a focus on expanding the practical impact of their research and taking on leadership roles, Lizhi Deng has the potential to emerge as a pioneering figure in food engineering and agricultural research. Thus, they are a deserving contender for this recognition.

Publications Top Noted

  • Title: Transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis reveal the role of 5-aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride in suppressing postharvest decay development in sweet cherry
    Authors: Zhang, S., Xu, R., Golding, J.B., Liang, L., Wang, B.
    Year: 2025
    Citation: 0
  • Title: Transcriptomics integrated with metabolomics analysis of cold-induced lenticel disorder via the lignin pathway upon postharvest ā€˜Xinli No.7ā€™ pear fruit
    Authors: Xu, R., Zhou, J., Deng, L., Golding, J.B., Wang, B.
    Year: 2025
    Citation: 0
  • Title: Caffeic acid enhances the postharvest quality by maintaining the nutritional features and improving the aroma volatiles for nectarine fruit
    Authors: Lu, J., Wang, H., Zhang, Y., Wang, B., Jiang, W.
    Year: 2025
    Citation: 0
  • Title: Calcium alginate-encapsulated propolis microcapsules: Optimization, characterization, and preservation effects on postharvest sweet cherry
    Authors: Deng, L., Xu, R., Zhang, S., Jiang, W., Wang, B.
    Year: 2024
    Citation: 0

Gideon Mmbando | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

šŸŒŸDr. Gideon Mmbando, Biological Sciences, Best Researcher AwardšŸ†

Assistant Professor at University of Dodoma, Tanzania

Professional Profiles:

Scopus Profile

Orcid Profile

Google Scholar Profile

Bio Summary:

Dr. Gideon Mmbando holds a Ph.D. in Molecular and Chemical Life Sciences. His collaborative research projects have delved into the sensitivity of African cultivated rice varieties to ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation. In one study, conducted in collaboration with Tohoku University in Japan, he found that African cultivars exhibited higher sensitivity to UV-B radiation compared to Asian cultivated rice cultivars. Another project involved the creation of UV-B tolerant African rice varieties through genetic engineering, transferring the UV-B-resistant gene from Asian to African rice cultivars. This initiative resulted in the development of a protocol for assessing UV-B sensitivity in African cultivated rice and the creation of UV-B-tolerant varieties, showing promising methods for survival and high yield in the tropical environment of Africa with high UV-B stress. Dr. Mmbando is also involved in ongoing research on the diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungal communities across different land uses in the semi-arid region of Tanzania, aiming to inform sustainable land management and agricultural practices that promote beneficial AMF associations.

Education:

Dr. Gideon Mmbando – Academic and Professional Qualification:

Dr. Gideon Mmbando is a highly qualified professional with a Ph.D. in Molecular and Chemical Life Sciences, reflecting his dedication to advancing knowledge in this field.

Professional Journey:

Dr. Gideon Mmbando’s professional journey has been marked by a dedicated pursuit of knowledge and impactful contributions to the field of Molecular and Chemical Life Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Molecular and Chemical Life Sciences, reflecting his commitment to advanced research and academic excellence. Throughout his career, Dr. Mmbando has engaged in collaborative research projects that bridge scientific disciplines and address pressing issues in agriculture and environmental science.

One notable project involved the screening of Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) sensitivity among African cultivated rice varieties. In collaboration with Tohoku University in Japan, Dr. Mmbando investigated the nuanced responses of different African rice cultivars to UV-B radiation, uncovering valuable insights into their sensitivity compared to Asian varieties.

Another significant endeavor in his professional journey was the creation of UV-B tolerant African rice varieties. Leveraging genetic engineering techniques, Dr. Mmbando played a pivotal role in developing rice varieties capable of withstanding UV-B stress. The successful transfer of UV-B-resistant genes from Asian to African rice cultivars not only resulted in the development of UV-B-tolerant varieties but also established protocols for assessing UV-B sensitivity in African cultivated rice.

Currently, Dr. Mmbando is involved in a project exploring the diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities across different land uses in the semi-arid region of Tanzania. This ongoing research aims to understand how different land-use practices influence arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, with the ultimate goal of informing sustainable land management and agricultural practices.

Dr. Gideon Mmbando’s professional journey reflects a commitment to scientific inquiry, collaboration, and the application of research findings to address agricultural challenges in regions facing environmental stressors. His work contributes to the advancement of knowledge and holds implications for sustainable agriculture and food security.

Research Projects:

Dr. Gideon Mmbando has been actively involved in collaborative research projects that contribute significantly to the understanding of Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) sensitivity among African cultivated rice varieties. In the first project, the objective was to investigate the response to UV-B radiation among different cultivated African rice varieties. This research was conducted in collaboration with Tohoku University in Japan. The findings revealed that African cultivars exhibited a higher sensitivity to UV-B radiation compared to their Asian counterparts.

The second collaborative project focused on the creation of UV-B tolerant African rice varieties. The primary goal was to develop rice varieties capable of tolerating UV-B radiation, a stress factor prevalent in the tropical environment of Africa. Genetic engineering techniques were employed to transfer the UV-B-resistant gene from Asian to African rice cultivars. The outcome of this project included the establishment of a protocol for assessing UV-B sensitivity in African cultivated rice. Moreover, the development of UV-B-tolerant varieties showcased promising methods for enhancing survival and achieving high yields in the challenging conditions of tropical Africa with elevated UV-B stress.

These collaborative research endeavors underscore Dr. Gideon Mmbando’s commitment to advancing agricultural practices and addressing environmental challenges, particularly in the context of UV-B radiation stress on African rice varieties. The outcomes of these projects have implications for sustainable agriculture and food security in the region.

Research Focus:

Dr. Gideon Mmbando’s research focus encompasses various aspects of molecular and chemical life sciences, with a particular emphasis on addressing challenges in agriculture and environmental science. His research interests include:

UV-B Sensitivity in Rice Varieties:

  • Dr. Mmbando has investigated the sensitivity of different cultivated African rice varieties to Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation. This research sheds light on the varied responses of African and Asian rice cultivars to UV-B stress, contributing to our understanding of plant resilience to environmental factors.

Creation of UV-B Tolerant Rice Varieties:

  • Using genetic engineering techniques, Dr. Mmbando has been involved in the development of UV-B-tolerant African rice varieties. This research aims to enhance the resilience of rice crops to UV-B stress, providing potential solutions for sustainable rice cultivation in tropical environments with high UV-B radiation.

Diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Communities:

  • Dr. Mmbando is currently engaged in a project exploring the diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) communities across different land uses in the semi-arid region of Tanzania. This research seeks to understand how various land-use practices influence AMF communities, with implications for sustainable land management and agricultural practices.

Sustainable Agriculture and Land Management:

  • The overarching theme of Dr. Mmbando’s research is geared towards developing strategies for sustainable agriculture and land management. By investigating the interactions between crops and environmental stressors, he aims to contribute valuable insights that can inform practices promoting beneficial associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and enhance crop resilience.

Dr. Gideon Mmbando’s diverse research focus underscores his commitment to addressing critical issues in agriculture, environmental sustainability, and food security. Through collaborative efforts and interdisciplinary approaches, his work aims to contribute to the development of strategies that benefit both the agricultural sector and the broader ecosystem.

Publications Top Noted & Contributions:

Title: The determinants of the low COVID-19 transmission and mortality rates in Africa: a cross-country analysis

  • Journal: Frontiers in public health
  • Year: 2021
  • Citation Count: 25

Title: COVID-19 pandemic related research in Africa: bibliometric analysis of scholarly output, collaborations and scientific leadership

  • Journal: International journal of environmental research and public health
  • Year: 2021
  • Citation Count: 24

Title: Recent updates on the possible reasons for the low incidence and morbidity of COVID-19 cases in Africa

  • Journal: Bulletin of the National Research Centre
  • Year: 2021
  • Citation Count: 13

Title: Very high sensitivity of African rice to artificial ultraviolet-B radiation caused by genotype and quantity of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer photolyase

  • Journal: Scientific reports
  • Year: 2020
  • Citation Count: 12

Title: Transgenic rice Oryza glaberrima with higher CPD photolyase activity alleviates UVB-caused growth inhibition

  • Journal: GM crops & food
  • Year: 2021
  • Citation Count: 8